Basics of Auditorium

History:

Defination:
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to
hear and watch performances at venues such as
theatres. For movie theatres, the number of auditoriums
is expressed as the number of screens.
It is a multi use performance space that is intended for
various performing arts like dance, drama, music, opera,
theatre, magic shows etc. It may include theatre,
auditorium.
THEATRES AND ITS TYPES
 1. PROSCENIUM THEATRE
It is the most common form of theatre stages. In this
particular stage, the audience is positioned in one area
facing towards the main stage, there is a distinct division
between the audience and the stage. This division is
created through the form of an arch or some sort of
frame- hence the name, Proscenium Arch.
• Gives the audience a clear view and the one main
focus points towards the performers.
• Allows much more realism and special effects/
lighting- tricks and effects can easily be concealed.

Thrust Theatre:
A stage surrounded by audience
on three sides, the fourth side
serves as the background.
• Typical modern arrangement:
• the stage is often a square or
 • rectangular playing area, usually raised, surrounded
by raked seating
ARENA THEATRE
• A central stage surrounded by audience on all
sides.
• The stage area is often raised to improve sightlines.

FLEXIBLE THEATRE:
• Sometimes called a "black box"
theatre, these are often big
empty boxes painted black
inside.
• Stage and seating not fixed.
• Instead, each can be altered to suit the needs of the
play or the whim of the director.
TERMS USED IN AUDITORIUM
 PROSCENIUM: A proscenium is the area of a
theatre surrounding the stage opening. A
proscenium arch is
the arch over this area. A proscenium plane divides the
performer and spectators.
 HOUSE: It is the main seating area.
 GANGWAYS: A passage between two rows of
seats. The minimum gangway should be 1100 mm.
 AISLE: The walkway between each area, row of
seats to permit ease of passage. (>=45 mm)
 DROP STAGE: A stage floor that moves vertically
on an elevator usually so that one set can quickly
replace
another.
 TORMENTOR: A curtain or framed structure used
directly behind the proscenium at each side of the
stage to screen the wings & sidelights from the
audience.
 APRON: The part of the stage floor in front of
curtain line.
 ORCHESTRA PIT: The space reserved for
musicians usually in front.
 BALCONY: A gallery that projects over the main
floor of a theatre.
 WING: The platform adjacent to the stage for
keeping props.
 BOX OFFICE: Where tickets are sold.
 CYCLORAMA: It is the exterior of the backdrop. It is
basically a distinction between backstage & main
stage.
 FIRE CURTAIN: A curtain or asbestos or other fire-
proof material that can be lowered just inside the
proscenium arch in case of fire.
 GREEN ROOM: The green room is the space in a
theatre, studio or similar venue which functions as a
waiting room and lounge for performers before and
after a performance, and during the show when
they come for change and rest.